Ritchie Blackmore is one of the most important guitarists in rock history. Best known as the guitarist of Deep Purple, he helped shape the sound of hard rock and early heavy metal. His playing style, attitude, and unforgettable riffs made him stand out in a crowded music scene, and his influence can still be heard today.
One of Blackmore’s greatest contributions to music is the song “Smoke on the Water.” Released in 1972, the track features one of the most famous guitar riffs of all time. It is simple, powerful, and instantly recognizable. Many people pick up a guitar for the first time just to learn that riff. Even though it’s easy to play, it carries a heavy sound that helped define Deep Purple’s aggressive and hard-hitting style. Because of songs like this, Deep Purple became one of the founding bands of heavy metal.
Blackmore’s guitar style was unique. He mixed blues-based rock with classical music ideas and used techniques like the whammy bar to bend and shape notes in dramatic ways. This approach inspired many guitarists who came after him. One of the most famous was Eddie Van Halen. Blackmore later praised Van Halen, saying he believed Eddie “reinvented the guitar.” Coming from someone as respected as Blackmore, this was very high praise and showed his ability to recognize true talent.
However, Ritchie Blackmore is not only known for his music. He is also famous for being outspoken and honest about his opinions. He never tried to please everyone, and he often criticized bands he didn’t respect. One of the most talked-about examples was his strong dislike for The Police, one of the biggest bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
In a 1987 interview, Blackmore openly said that he hated The Police. He felt that many bands at the time were moving toward a polished, pop-friendly sound and losing the raw, “earthy” feel of real rock music. To him, Deep Purple represented honest, aggressive rock, while bands like The Police sounded too clean and calculated. He even joked that as long as the world didn’t need The Police, he was happy.
While his comments may sound harsh, this attitude is not unusual in rock music. Rock has always been competitive, and fans often expect their heroes to be bold, rebellious, and unfiltered. Blackmore fit that image perfectly. He didn’t soften his words or change his views to stay popular.
In the end, Ritchie Blackmore’s legacy is a powerful one. He helped create some of the most important rock music ever recorded and inspired countless musicians. At the same time, his strong personality and blunt opinions made him a controversial figure. Love him or hate him, there is no denying that rock music would not be the same without Ritchie Blackmore.